A total of 28 Ford 19-Bs were used by the HSR in the 1940s and 1950s. The buses arrived in Hamilton in 4 batches. #70-73, #74-83, and #84-87 were built in 1940, 1941, and 1942, respectively. #135-144 were originally built for the TTC in 1941, and were sold to the HSR as part of service upgrades as the Canada Coach Lines took over on September 16, 1946.
| HSR number (1946) | TTC number (1941) |
|---|---|
| 135 | 781 |
| 136-144 | 783-791 |
One of the HSR's 1942 built Ford Transit 19-B buses was destroyed by fire at the Sanford shops on March 13, 1951. All remaining 19-Bs were retired before the sale of the HSR to the City of Hamilton in 1959
Some of the dates for these photos are unknown, and the locations are often just a guess. If you know either date or location, email me!
(All photos © Tom Luton, except where noted)
HSR #70, May 1942, location unknown. (Photo courtesy of the Hamilton Public Library, Local History & Archives.)
On the afternoon of June 10, 1946, HSR #77 was on top of the greasing pit in the Sanford shops when the bus caught fire, likely when gasoline fumes were ignited by a spark from a broken light bulb. Mechanic Richard Bauna was able to start the bus and drive it out of the shops to the edge of the bus yard where it was consumed by the flames. In spite of the damage, the bus was rebuilt and returned to service. Photo published in the June 12 1947 Hamilton Spectator, pg 17
HSR #77 in front of the old City Hall at York and James. It's 1952, and judging by the tree above the door to Zeller's, it's close to Christmas. (Photo courtesy of the Hamilton Public Library, Local History & Archives.)
HSR #79 at James and King in 1945.
The burnt remains of one of the HSR's 1942 built 19-B Ford Transits (HSR #84-87). Photo courtesy of the March 13 1951 Hamilton Spectator, pg 7.
HSR #144 (ex TTC #791) at the Sanford yard, date unknown. (From Alan Gryfe’s collection, used with permission)
